Fletcher Tilton’s Stephan Rodolakis Named New Chair
WORCESTER – The Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC) celebrated its 60th Annual Meeting last night at the historic Higgins Armory, marking six decades of economic development accomplishments in the Worcester region. The milestone event featured keynote remarks from Governor Maura Healey and the announcement of Fletcher Tilton’s own Attorney Stephan Rodolakis as the organization’s new board of directors chair.
In a highlight of the evening, Governor Healey announced that her administration will make a $25 million contribution to the Worcester Auditorium revitalization project. “I look forward to the day when we cut the ribbon on that project,” Governor Healey stated, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to Worcester’s continued economic development.
The evening also marked a leadership transition as Attorney Stephan Rodolakis of Fletcher Tilton PC was formally introduced as the WBDC’s new chair of the board of directors. Rodolakis brings extensive experience in real estate and business law to the role, having been involved with numerous development projects throughout Central Massachusetts.
“The WBDC has been instrumental in transforming Worcester’s economy over the past sixty years,” said Rodolakis. “I’m honored to help lead this organization into its next chapter of creating opportunities and strengthening our region’s position as an economic leader in Massachusetts.”
GreenTech Park: WBDC’s Largest Revitalization Project
The 60th Annual Meeting highlighted several ongoing WBDC initiatives, including the ambitious GreenTech Park development. This project represents the largest undertaking in the organization’s six-decade history, transforming the former Saint-Gobain property in Worcester’s Greendale neighborhood.
The 51-acre site, acquired by the WBDC in 2022 through a no-cost land transfer from Saint-Gobain, is being redeveloped into a hub for sustainable manufacturing. The project has already seen significant progress, with approximately 75% of the property’s obsolete buildings already demolished.
Saint-Gobain invested $12 million in the project, while the WBDC’s subsidiary, New Garden Park Inc., contributed $3 million, including a $2 million forgivable loan from the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency. The project has also received $2.6 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce and $2.8 million from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program for infrastructure improvements.
“GreenTech Park represents our commitment to creating development opportunities that focus on sustainability, resiliency, and the future of manufacturing in Worcester,” said Craig Blais, WBDC President. “This is a crucial step in attracting the next generation of industry leaders to our region.”
About the WBDC
Founded in 1965, the Worcester Business Development Corporation operates as a collaboration between public and private sectors to create a healthy economy in the Worcester area. The organization focuses on recognizing and addressing challenges in the local economy, with the main goal of assisting in business development, fostering entrepreneurial growth, expanding the tax base, and promoting employment opportunities.
Throughout its 60-year history, the WBDC has played a key role in strengthening Worcester’s position as an economic leader in Massachusetts. Through targeted investment and strategic partnerships, the organization has created thousands of jobs and generated millions of dollars in annual taxes for the region.
Recent WBDC projects include the Greendale Revitalization Initiative, 20 Franklin Street, and the Southbridge Innovation Center. The organization has also launched a podcast in partnership with Radio Worcester, showcasing various projects and initiatives each month.
For more information about the WBDC and its initiatives, visit www.thewbdc.com.